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Experience the best emerging local musical talent as the Penrith Youth Orchestra and the Valda Silvy Ensemble come together to perform an exclusive concert at The Joan on 1 September.
To celebrate the inaugural performance of the Valda Silvy Ensemble, one of Penrith Conservatorium of Music’s rising stars, 17-year-old multi-instrumentalist, Joseph Foong will join the ensemble to perform Mozart’s vibrant Piano Concerto No. 22 in E flat major.
Also featuring classics by Bartók, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven this concert will transport you across eras and nations, from the “music capital of the world” in Vienna, to the picturesque fairytale-castles in Moscow.
Guaranteed to delight music lovers of all ages, don’t miss your opportunity to hear your favourite classical works performed live on stage by incredible young musicians from our region.
Full Program
Valda Silvy Ensemble
Mozart Piano Concert No. 22 in E flat major, K482 (in chamber form)
Penrith Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble
David Holsinger On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss
Penrith Youth Orchestra String Ensemble
Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Penrith Youth Orchestra
Tchaikovsky Themes from Marche Slav
Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125, IV. Finale

Joseph Foong – Piano Solo
At 17 years old, Joseph has already achieved notable success in the field of music. With over a decade of study, he has earned his Associate of Music Diploma in piano, violin, and organ (distinction), and he has also received his Licentiate of Music with distinction in both Piano and Organ.
Joseph’s musical education includes piano training from an international teacher in Poland and, he is currently the recipient of the Richard and Doreen Organ Scholarship at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
In addition to his formal studies, Joseph is actively involved in various musical ensembles and institutions. He is a pivotal member of the Richard Bonynge Ensemble, the Valda Silvy Ensemble, and the Penrith Youth Orchestra. Furthermore, Joseph regularly performs as the organist for St John’s College at the University of Sydney.
Outside of music, Joseph has a keen interest in history, philosophy, and languages where he is simultaneously studying Latin, French, and Greek.

About The Valda Silvy Ensemble
Valda Silvy is a passionate advocate for the arts in Western Sydney, widely recognised for her commitment to nurturing young musical talent and creating opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to high-quality music education.
In 1990, she founded the Penrith Conservatorium of Music, which has become the leading institution for music education in the region, offering a wide range of programs to aspiring musicians of all ages.
Throughout her career, Valda has been a steadfast supporter of the arts, working to ensure that young musicians are given the resources, inspiration, and opportunities needed to pursue successful careers in music.
Her tireless contributions to music education and the arts have earned her several prestigious awards, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), recognising her outstanding service to the community and the arts.
Her enduring influence continues to shape the cultural landscape of Western Sydney, and her legacy as a music producer and mentor remains a driving force in the local arts community.
About Penrith Youth Orchestra
In February 2018, history was made for young musicians in Western Sydney when 44 students came together in the inaugural workshops of Penrith Youth Orchestra (PYO).
PYO was established in a partnership between the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO). The Orchestra expanded on the highly successful Penrith Strings program which ran from 2015 to 2017, adding wind, brass and percussion sections.
Penrith Youth Orchestra is an ambitious partnership which provides young musicians in Western Sydney with:
- Access to expert mentoring by leading performers and musicians.
- A family-friendly schedule that includes workshops that are typically held on three Sunday afternoons per term.
- A locally based youth orchestra that is dedicated to the students of Western Sydney and its surrounds.
- A warm, caring and supportive environment which has a collaborative and community and focusses on learning, not competition.
- The strong partnership of key organisations which ensures a solid educational, musical and administrative foundation.
Key Details
Dates & Times: Sunday 1 September at 3pm.
Duration: 80 minutes (No interval).
Venue: Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 597 High Street, Penrith.
Tickets: Standard Ticket $25, Concession/Student/Under 18’s $20. A fee of $5 applies to all bookings.
Billing
Artist Director and Conductor
Dr Paul Terracini
Performers
Penrith Youth Orchestra
Valda Silvy Ensemble
Images
Top Banner and Joseph Foong photos by Eddy Summers